Copyright 1998, Scott McKay
Fairfield Freestone County Texas
January 26th 1862
Hon'ble Jeff Davis
My Dear Sir,
My young friend Mr. Benjamin R. Echols, son of Parson Echols, a planter of my county, is now a member of Capt. W. G. Wilson's Company now in the Confederate Service. Stationed at Virginia Point near Galveston, is desired of having an appointment as a leader in the Army.
Mr. Echols is a fine young man of good education. And would I am Sure fill the appointment with credit to himself, and ___ to and appointment to the Service in Whatever position his service may be requested of him. I feel called upon to adding you this letter in person, feeling that our personal friendship during the long term I was a member of the legislation of our state of Mississippi, Justifice me in assuming to my self the liberty taken in addressing you. should you feel disposed to grant to my young friend Mr. Echols, then asked, I am satisfied you will have no cause to regret it. And will give satisfaction to your friend generally when Mr. Echols is known, _______. Our cause is Pr___s___ him and perhaps with more ____ than any State in the Confederacy.
My heartfelt confidence in our leader and the justice of our
cause for proof of the at___ call for volunteers, You find a speedy response
from our County of Freestone. We have in the Service Capt. W. L. Moody's Company
of 11 men now in Kentucky, Capt. W. G. Wilson's 95 men [Ed: Co. D,
10th Texas Infantry] at Virginia Point Texas, Capt. A. W. Maddux' Company
Stationed between Houston & Galveston, Capt. W. M. Peck's Company of 80 men
which leaves next week for the coast, these 4 Companys have been ably raised in
our County of Freestone, besides squads left for Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky
and General Sibley's brigade then taken into consideration one County Vote, but
600 men supply the army with ____ and ____ Confederate Bonds for pay at par our
community sys, if we fail to whip the Yankies, we have no use for Negroes Land
or Stock; May the protective care of devine providence guide our ship of state
to the barbor of deliverance from the despotism now plaguing our country is the
prayer of an old But humble friend
William Beene
[10th Texas Infantry Compiled Service Records]
Notes
Pvt. Benjamin R. Echols - Age 22 upon enlistment with Co.
D, 10th Texas Infantry, at Virginia Point, Galveston, Texas, on December 20,
1861; he had been recruited at Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas, on December
12th.
According to the 1860 Texas Census, he and his father managed a
farm, valued at $9000, at Fairfield, Freestone County; he was born in Tennessee,
and lived with his parents and three younger siblings.
The above letter was sent to President Jefferson Davis on
January 26, 1862, by a Freestone County, politician, on behalf of Pvt. Echols'
desire to become an officer. Pvt. Echols' last available record listed him
"Absent In Trans Miss Dept."
At age 61, Benjamin Riddle Echols applied for A Soldier's
Pension on July 13, 1899, at "Hardin's Store, Leona, Leon County Texas."
His health was "very bad," suffering from "old age, Hernia and
Bronchitis." He was a farmer, owning "3 head of horses, valued at $75.00
and 2 cows valued at $30.00 and 3 yearlings valued at $30.00. All said property
is covered by a mortgage for $217.00."
Echols' Pension Application was approved on October 4, 1899. The date of his death was not noted in his Texas Confederate Pension Records.
Copyright 1998, Scott McKay